TC Double-Lipped NBR Oil Seal — 38mm ID, Nitrile Rotary Shaft Seal, Multiple OD & Heights

Measure the bore (housing) diameter to get the OD, and measure the housing groove depth to get the height. For a 38mm ID shaft, OD options here range from 50mm (≈1.97") to 72mm (≈2.83") and heights from 8mm (≈0.31") to 12mm (≈0.47"). Always match all three dimensions — ID, OD, and height — to your housing spec before ordering. If you have the original seal, measure it with calipers or look up the OEM part number to cross-reference.

TC-type skeleton oil seals are generally designed for low-to-moderate pressure applications. They are typically suited for dynamic rotary shaft sealing at moderate speeds and are not intended for high-pressure hydraulic circuits. For high-pressure systems, a different seal type is generally recommended. Contact us to confirm suitability for your specific application.

NBR nitrile rubber offers good resistance to petroleum-based oils, greases, and water splash, making it suitable for many outdoor machinery applications such as agricultural equipment and off-road vehicles. However, NBR is generally not recommended for prolonged direct UV exposure or contact with ozone, strong acids, or ketone-based fluids. For highly corrosive or UV-intensive environments, confirm material compatibility before installation.

These are metric-dimensioned TC oil seals with a fixed 38mm inner diameter. They are compatible with any shaft and housing that matches the metric ID × OD × Height dimensions listed in the variant selector. They press-fit into a machined housing bore — no threads are involved. Cross-reference your OEM seal's three-digit metric dimensions to find the matching variant.

TC-type seals are double-lipped: the primary lip retains lubricant on the inboard side, while the secondary (dust) lip excludes contaminants from the outside. If your application involves dusty, muddy, or wet conditions — such as agricultural equipment, construction machinery, or off-road axles — a double-lipped TC seal is generally the better choice over a single-lip (SC or SB) seal.

NBR 70 Shore A nitrile rubber typically performs across a temperature range of approximately -40°F to +250°F (-40°C to +120°C). Sustained exposure beyond this range may cause the rubber to harden, crack, or lose its sealing ability. Always confirm your operating temperature against this range before installation, especially in high-heat engine bay or industrial furnace-adjacent applications.

Clean the housing bore and shaft journal thoroughly. Lightly lubricate the seal lip with the fluid being sealed (e.g., gear oil or grease). Press the seal squarely into the bore using a seal driver or a flat plate sized to the OD — never strike the seal face directly with a hammer. Ensure the metal case sits flush with or slightly below the housing surface. Avoid cocking or tilting during installation, as this can damage the lip and cause immediate leakage.